Hematoma
Siamak N. Nabili, MD, MPH
Dr. Nabili received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), majoring in chemistry and biochemistry. He then completed his graduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His graduate training included a specialized fellowship in public health where his research focused on environmental health and health-care delivery and management.
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
- What is a hematoma?
- What are the causes of hematoma?
- What are the symptoms and signs of a hematoma?
- When should I seek medical care for a hematoma?
- How is a hematoma diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for a hematoma?
- Can I care for a hematoma myself?
- What is the medical treatment for a hematoma?
- Should I follow-up with my doctor?
- Can a hematoma be prevented?
- What is the outlook after suffering a hematoma?
What is a hematoma?
Hematoma is generally defined as a collection of blood outside of blood vessels. Most commonly, hematomas are caused by an injury to the wall of a blood vessel, prompting blood to seep out of the blood vessel into the surrounding tissues. A hematoma can result from an injury to any type of blood vessel (artery, vein, or small capillary). A hematoma usually describes bleeding which has more or less clotted, whereas a hemorrhage signifies active, ongoing bleeding.
Hematoma is a very common problem encountered by many people at some time in their lives. Hematomas can be seen under the skin or nails as purplish bruises of different sizes. Skin bruises can also be called contusions. Hematomas can also happen deep inside the body where they may not be visible. Hematomas may sometimes form a mass or lump that can be felt. Sometimes hematomas are named based on their location. Some examples include:
- Subdural hematoma: a hematoma between the brain tissue and the inside lining of the brain
- Spinal epidural hematoma: a hematoma between spinal vertebrae and the outside lining of the spinal cord
- Intracranial epidural hematoma: a hematoma between the skull and the outside lining of the brain
- Subungual hematoma: a hematoma under the nail
- Intra-abdominal, peritoneal, or retroperitoneal hematoma: a hematoma inside the abdominal cavity
- Ear or aural hematoma: a hematoma between the ear cartilage and overlying skin
- Splenic hematoma: a hematoma within the spleen
- Hepatic hematoma: a hematoma within the liver
Most hematomas resolve spontaneously over time as the blood debris is removed and the blood vessel wall is repaired by the body's repair mechanisms. Other times, surgically removing or evacuating the blood in a hematoma becomes necessary based on its symptoms or location.
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